InterContinental opened its much-anticipated New York property in the heart of Manhattan July 12, the latest in a string of high-profile openings for the city.

The firm says that along with being the largest new-build hotel to open in the city since 2002, the 607-room InterContinental is also one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in the city.

It will be the largest new hotel in the city to receive the LEED green building certification from the US Green Building Council.

The 36-storey building is wrapped in glass, with guestrooms featuring floor-to- ceiling windows that offer views across the city from almost every angle, including views of Times Square, Broadway, the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.

Luxury-loving guests are well catered for, with 25 “Panoramic Avenue” suites and a 2,700 square foot (250 square meter) two-level Presidential Suite that includes three bedrooms, a fireplace and a freestanding bath.

For everyone else, the hotel provides 42-inch HDTVs, a work area with touchscreen computer, and free wifi in all rooms, along with “spa-inspired” bathrooms with walk-in showers.

The culinary experience is provided by Ça Va, a French restaurant by American TV chef Todd English and the Ça Va Marché cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch.

The massive InterContinental Times Square is one of several high-profile luxury openings in New York this year, many of which constitute the second property in the city for their respective owners.

The Trump SoHo joined the flagship Trump New York in April, offering an additional 391 rooms in the center of Manhattan for ultra-luxury lovers.

Andaz opened its second property on Fifth Avenue last week, only six months after opening the Andaz Wall Street in January, its first property in the city.

In August Starwood’s W Hotels is set to open the W New York Downtown, a flagship 58-storey hotel and apartment complex on the edge of the former World Trade Center site.

Last month, hotel analyst STR released figures suggesting that upscale establishments such as these are proving more popular than midrange hotels, posting both higher occupancy rates and per-night rate increases in May 2010.